So, what is the difference between materials like 14k gold-filled and gold vermeil?

14k Gold-filled -- I use only 14/20 gold-filled materials. Gold filled is a gold overlay where a thick layer of 14k gold is heat and pressure-bonded to a (typically)brass core. the "14/20" notation is the ratio of karat gold to brass core by weight. If you keep your 14k gold filled away from moisture and nicks, it should resist tarnish (turning color) very well.

You get the rich look of gold with 14k gold-filled, without the cost of solid 14k gold.

Gold vermeil -- Gold vermeil is when gold is layered over a sterling silver. Typically, this layer is of 22-18k gold at 100 micro inches (2.5 microns) -- 50x heavier than a standard gold plate! Again, you get a rich 24k gold look without the cost. If you keep your gold vermeil away from moisture and damage, this should also resist tarnish. However, it does have a silver core which is subject to tarnish.

Vermeil Style Most of the items marked "vermeil" on my website refers to the fact that the item is a gold plate over sterling silver. The company I use creates "vermeil style" gold plate that is 40 micro inches (1 micron) of 98.5% pure gold plated over sterling silver with a fine layer of nickel in between. This is durable and keeps the items more affordable.

Peggy Li Creations only occasionally uses other karat gold filled, gold plate or base metals, and this will be noted. I do use 10k, 14k or 18K golds for certain pieces and by request.